Roofing Shingle Warranties - What You Don’t Know Might Hurt You

The Basic Warranty
Regardless of which roofing shingles you choose, they should comply with government standards and have a minimum warranty that the shingle will perform as promised. Warranties usually range from 15 to 40 years, but there are an increasing number of shingles available with a lifetime warranty.
While roofing shingle warranties are often considered standard, there can be significant differences in warranty coverages between similar shingles. Perhaps most importantly, some warranties only cover the cost of the shingles, but not the labour needed to remove the old roof and install the new one.
It’s important to note that most shingle manufacturers have specific installation instructions and improper installation of your roofing shingles can void your warranty.
Wind Warranty
High winds can be very damaging to shingles. Powerful gusts will rip the shingles from your roof, but even weaker winds can cause costly damage.
Shingles will lift, even if only for a second, in strong enough winds. This can be the start of two problems. First, when the shingle lifts, debris and moisture can blow in under the shingle. Once the shingle returns to its original position, it traps the debris and moisture. If there is too much moisture, it could leak through your roof and damage your home. The trapped debris also keeps the tile from lying perfectly flat, which lets in more moisture and debris.
Wind also causes shingles to warp, which not only lets in more moisture and debris, but can also cause shingles to crack or break.
Algae Resistant Warranty
Algae growth is a common roofing problem that causes dark streaks on your roofing shingles. The algae can be cleaned away, but it will likely return, especially if you live in a humid climate. If you have had algae problems before, you should look for algae-resistant coverage on your shingle warranty.